Furious star defends sister on red carpet
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Colin Farrell expresses his views to a photographer at the Triage premiere at the Toronto Film Festival
More photos:Monday September 14 2009
RESPECT me, respect the family.
Actor Colin Farrell got into an angry confrontation with photographers at the premiere of his latest film in Toronto yesterday after his sister was told in no uncertain terms to get out of the way.
The press pen outside the Elgin Theatre roared at Claudine Farrell to move so that they had a clear shot of the star, although it is understood that they did not know who she was.
They soon found out, however, when her brother went nose-to-nose with one photographer -- London-based Joe Alvarez -- and remonstrated loudly before retaining his composure.
"With celebs you get a lot of hangers-on, PRs, everyone and their wives surrounding the stars and we are limited for space," Mr Alvarez said afterwards.
"I was just saying, 'please can everyone clear the carpet, move on'.
"He took it personal. He said: 'Do not shout at my sister like that, do not ever speak to my sister like that ever'."
The suddenly quiet photographers caught the Hollywood star on camera approaching Mr Alvarez with his finger pointed. The photographer quickly and repeatedly apologised to the star.
The 33-year-old was in the Canadian city for the premiere of 'Triage', a film which investigates the psychological effects of war on a photo journalist, at the Toronto International Film Festival.
A record seven Irish films, all funded by the Irish Film Board, were selected for the festival, which runs until September 20.
Aidan Quinn and Brendan Gleeson attended the Jameson party at the festival following the premieres of 'Triage' and Gleeson's new feature 'Perrier's Bounty', which also stars Cillian Murphy.
The other features include 'A Shine of Rainbows' starring Quinn, 'Ondine', 'Eamon', 'Colony' and 'Cracks'.
"It's fantastic to see so many Irish films included in such a prestigious festival and it shows the value of supporting the Irish film industry," Gleeson said.
The festival has a reputation for showcasing some of the most successful features of recent times including 'Juno', 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Little Miss Sunshine'.
And Farrell has made news off-screen at the event in the past.
In 2007, he befriended a beggar named "Stress" and helped him become clean, sober and off the streets.
The Dublin actor saw Stress that year as he was leaving a hotel in the city.
He gave him cash for lodging, took him on a shopping spree and they talked.
"You need to get your life together, man, promise me," he told Stress.
A year later, Canadian media reported Stress's belief that "Colin Farrell saved (his) life".
- Jason O'Brien
